Q17. उत्तर भारत और प्रायद्वीपीय भारत के बीच चीनी उद्योग में क्षेत्रीय विषमताएं देखी जाती हैं। इन विषमताओं के मुख्य कारण का मूल्यांकन करें और चीनी उत्पादन में अधिशेष को कम करने के लिए क्या उपाय किए जा सकते हैं? Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production? (15 marks)

Sugar industry is a major source of income for several sugarcane producing farmers. Farmers are faced FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price) for their produce.

Regional disparities are seen in the sugar industry between North and Peninsular India — also called "Two Indias" by economic survey.

Factors contributing to regional disparities:

[Diagram showing factors contributing to regional disparities]

Better connectivity for export through ports for peninsular industries.

Due to FRP and other government initiatives such as bioflavored production has led to surplus sugar production leading to:

Measures that can undertaken to reduce the surplus production:

i) Crop diversification — incentive to grow other crops (eg) Rother Bandhan scheme of Andhra Pradesh.

ii) Increased capacities of bioflavored production.

iii) Minimum export price to disincentivise overproduction.

iv) Rational FRP - based on market mechanism.

v) Technological upgradation of sugar industry.

vi) Use of sugarcane molasses to generate additional income. (eg) Renewable plates

vii) Reduction in demand — health and lifestyle changes — reducing processed sugar.

Sugar production industries have been facing issues of farmers losses issues such as dues of former, inefficiencies leading to losses in operation.

Policy changes along with disincentive farmers to grow different crops may help in reducing the overproduction.